SIR – The fireworks at the culmination of the Worcester Festival on Monday were fantastic.

Many people living in St John’s could even enjoy the display from the comfort of their own homes. It was colourful, entertaining and fun.

However, this is fast becoming the exception and not the norm.

It is unfortunate that fireworks to many have become a nuisance and a danger.

Their availability to the public through retail sales should be banned. Only professional, licensed displays, such as the one at the end of the festival, should be permitted.

As long as fireworks are easily available they will be abused.

They will continue to be let off in the street, used as weapons and at anti-social times.

I have often been contacted by residents complaining about mindless thugs who think it is clever and fun to let off fireworks in the street.

They scare animals and pets and endanger children.

Fireworks are dangerous explosives, many people bare the scars of their misuse.

I do not want to be a killjoy, I do enjoy firework displays and long may they continue.

But they should now only be in the hands of the fully trained at professional and licensed displays, where we can all enjoy them in safety.

As we approach the run-up to November 5, I would urge residents not to buy fireworks and to encourage people to only attend the professional displays organised by experts.

RICHARD UDALL
Worcester city and Worcestershire county councillor (St John’s)